Harper's Weekly was the most popular newspaper during the Civil War, and it featured stunning illustrations, and in depth stories on all the important people and events of the war. For this week's blog assignment, analyze and evalutate material from this important primary source following the directions below:
1. Actively read any issue from the online archive of Harpers' papers from 1861-65. (These papers are 4-6 pages long and include photographs and advertisements.) The papers are available for view at:http://www.sonofthesouth.net/leefoundation/the-civil-war.htm
2. Summarize two articles and/or cartoons related to the war published in this edition (be sure to indicate the date and page of each source.) What insight do these articles provide into the issues most important to Harper's Weekly readers at this time? What are the authors and/or artists' positions on the war?
3. Conclude by discussing the impact you believe papers like Harpers' Weekly had on the war.This post is due by Friday, 1/11 at 7 a.m. 200 word minimum. Remember to respond to at least one classmates post.http://www.sonofthesouth.net/leefoundation/the-civil-war.htm
13 comments:
After reviewing many issues of Harper Weekly's newspaper, it is understood why this paper was the primary source for people during the Civil War. Harper Weekly gave inside information on everything to do with the Civil War such as, battle's being fought, the progress of the Union Army, President Lincoln, and Senators like Jefferson Davis. In the May 6th 1865 issue of Harper Weekly, the paper focused on the situation of a mourning nation. The mourning nation was due to the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln. On the last page of this issue their is a full page photo of Abraham Lincoln's funeral procession in the White House East Room. From this picture, the expressions on the faces of the people surrounding President Abraham Lincoln, inferences can be made about how the people thought the country was going to survive after the Civil War without their President. "It was the sorrow in every heart that moved each outward expression of affection. It was the universal grief so heavily draped our streets. Not only the mansions of the rich, but the squalid hovels of the poor put on the habit of mourning." (Harper Weekly, Issue May 6th 1865).
In the May 20th 1865 Issue of Harper Weekly there's a illustration of General Lee's (Confederate Army) surrender to General Grant (Union Army). In the illustration Harper Weekly compares General Lee's surrender on Palm Sunday to the religious teachings of when Jesus Christ walked into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday.
Newspaper's like Harper Weekly impacted people during times such as the Civil War because it kept the civilians involved in the events. Harper Weekly's newspaper investigated and reported on everything in the Civil War.
After thoroughly reading two articles from the Harpers Weekly, I have chosen February 11, 1865, and September 30, 1865. After reading the first few passages, the professionalism in these papers is quite clear, and the reasons why the citizens read them before is without a doubt. The Harper's Weekly shows a truly colossal amount of information with its stunningly accurate writings to its drawings/illustrations of real-time events. On the first article I read about (the one with a cannon on front page), the article talks about the surprise of finding a cannon that was abandoned by the British, and how the American army took control of it. As the headliner puts the situation, “150-POUND ARMSTRONG GUN CAPTURED AT FORT FISHER”. The illustration of the picture describes the capture of the canon at the Fort, and was also said to "not to be fired except under the pressure of necessity". The next page of the article discusses the violations of black laws, and also "A SCAPE-GOAT", "FRANCE IN MEXICO" "OUR CANADIAN NEIGHBORS". The others pages are the news of some generals, the use of Congress about to abolish slavery, and the speculation of oil. Advertisements cover the back pages, just like today’s newspapers. The articles main discussion is the current and future events of the history of America. With Congress talking about the cantonments of slavery, this paper is right on the bulls-eye when discussing the use of laborers instead of slaves. The insight this one article has provided a peek into the future welfare of slaves, as well as the productivity of the nation. It seems that the author and illustrators position of the war points to keep it up. Much of the article relies on the news of fighting and wars and combat against other countries. In the next article on April 22, 1865 (the one with the horse), the article talks about the final victory with the title "CAVALRY CHARGE AT THE BATTLE OF FIVE FORKS". The scene depicts a flanking of the British infantry by American cavalry. The newspaper also gives insights on the issues concerning the end of the Civil War. The other pages in the article include the capture of Richmond, and a map of the Petersburg Civil War. Most likely, in this article, the author and illustrators opinion of the Civil War is a relief, because of all the turmoil that it has caused the country, and their paper. The other pages describe the end of the Civil War, and how this will affect the country in the future.
The impact of the Harpers Weekly had on the war was colossal. With the newspaper, it was easily spread able, and lightweight, so these sorts of stories were great to travel around for. Such a powerful media gave plenty of people a journalistic insight on the way the Civil War developed, and how it ended.
Student Response: I agree with Sam, because, as she puts it, : "Newspaper's like Harper Weekly impacted people during times such as the Civil War because it kept the civilians involved in the events. Harper Weekly's newspaper investigated and reported on everything in the Civil War". The newspapers around the nation all kept the civilians involved, active, and aware about the war, which ultimately lead to the abolition of slavery.
Civil War Harper's Weekly, March 2, 1861
"Fort Taylor , Key West," is a drawing from a member of the Garrison. For those unaware, Fort Taylor is located on Key West,in Florida . It was originally made to be apart of the Third System fort. The forts was namedfor U.S president Zachary Taylor in 1850. The construction of the overal fort began in 1845. Construction was very slow due to diseases, weather conflict, the Civil War. However, the fort was completed after the Civil War. Fort Taylor was made to be on the Union side throughout the war. The printed production of Fort Taylor in Harper's Weekley reaasures the reader living in the North that the North is serious about the war. From the picture the fort looks long in width and hieght. The fort aslo looks humongous. The fort is a symbol of readyness and war. Also, due to the printed production of the fort in the newspaper the author must be on the Union side . However, the author can also be a confederate showing the South what the North is up to but this I doubt.
New York,Saturday, August 24 1861
VOL.V- NO.243. 1st Page.
"Prince Napoleon at Washington" is an article describing Napoleon's visit to see Lincoln, however it focuses on the side piece Napoleon bought with him, Princess Coltilde. The article does no describe the issues that the two leaders discuss for Napoleon's visit. Instead, it goes into further detail about the princes''s appearenc. " Imagine a girl with golden-brown hair, and a skin of pearly whiteness, just dawning into womanhood ; a form already full and round, a figure of commanding aspect. Then the expression of the Princess's face is tenderly intellectual. " In the center of the article lies a humongous picture of the princess; a portrait. However, at the bottom of the article is anothor picture of Napoleon visisting Lincoln. It is called "Presetation of Prince Napoleon by Secretary Seward of the President". The picture just shows to men joining to shake hands. This article was somewhat important to the readers because most Americans dreaded Napoeon's interfernce in America. Napoleon was known for his dictatorship attitude in France and believed that he wanted the Union to break up so he could put French Power in the New World. They didnt believe his heart was truely at uniting the North and the South. This article might have kept the readers informed in what the Napoleon and Lincoln were doing; keeping the worries at a limit. The author and artist are probably like Napoleon because they did not write anything bad about; well in fact nothing at all about him. They probably fancy his wife which is why they decicated a full page to her. This was probably a technique to take the readers mind off the War.
Harper's Weekley was very important to the readers living under the war. It featured foreign and domestic news, fiction, essays on many subjects, and humor; this kept readers inlightend yet calm at the same time. Sam, Vincent and I both have the same opinions on the impact of the Harper's Weekly; it kept the readers active and prepared for the war. During the war, the North probably felt happy and secure with the newspaper being published; while, the South probably dispised it.
Khadijat O.
While looking at the many historical issues of Harper Weekly's newspaper, it is clear that there were many different feelings on the war. In Harper Weekly's July 27, 1861 newspaper there is a catroon showing the fourth of july celebration for those in the war and those not in the war.The people who arent in the war are happy and drinking while the flag is being raised while those in war are not realaxing because they have to fight to win the war. It seems as if the artist was trying to make the point that while people are fighting in the war those who arent get to sit around and just relax like nothing is going on. The artist might also not be a big fan on the war. At the time this cartoon provides readers with the insight that many are fighting and it shouldnt be taken ligthly or as something not seriuos. Another cartoon from the July 27,1861 newspaper is the cartoon called civil war camp life.The picture shows different things going on in the camps during the civil war. In one piece you see the men sitting relaxed in the woods but then there are many issues that they had to face at the camp life. For instance there are pictures of the men in rooms carrying the wounded or fighting outside the homes or crossing the waters to get to the otherside. The artisit also makes a point that those fighting in the war arent just there to be there but they are there to help take care of those not fighting in the war. The two artists have very similar views on the war and how people take for granted that they have it easy by not fighting in the war while others do it for them.Like Sam said "Newspaper's like Harper Weekly impacted people during times such as the Civil War because it kept the civilians involved in the events." and that is very true because without the Harper Weekly's newspaper how would the people get to understand the war.
On page 277 of the May 4, 1861 edition of Harper's Weekly, there is a picture of the Great Meeting on April 20, 1861 in Union Square, New York City, In the picture, the crowd is listening to a speech by high ranking government officials. The crowd is waving American Flags and look like they are shouting. There seem to be mixed reactions throughout the crowd. Most of the people in attendance seem to support the impending war. However, there are some people who look outraged the idea of war. This picture was intended to give readers the news of an impending Civil War against the South. From the tone of the image, the artist might have supported the war. Many of the people in the picture seem to be supportive. There are only a few people who look angry.
On page 116 of the February 21, 1863 edition of Harper's Weekly, there is a picture of freed slaves crossing Union lines. The description of the picture “THE EFFECTS OF THE PROCLAMATION—FREED NEGROES COMING INTO OUR LINES AT NEWBERN, NORTH CAROLINA” gave me the idea that the North did not want the freed slaves to move. To the far left, there are Union soldiers escorting the free slaves. The soldiers seem extremely tense and are not happy that they have to escort former slaves so they can cause hardships in the north. This picture was intended to tell readers that an influx of former slaves were moving north and people would soon be competing for jobs with the freed slaves. The artist doesn’t like the idea that the former slaves are moving north when the Northerners were struggling to get jobs.
Newspapers such as Harpers Weekly had a huge impact on the public’s view of the Civil War. During the Civil War, newspapers were the only way people could find out what was going on in the world around them. The papers were used to influence readers to either support or oppose the Civil War. There were also newspapers that focused of one specific topic such as slavery or the economy. Newspapers were influential during the breakout of the Civil War.
In response to Vincent, i agree that newspapers were the only way to keep the public informed about current events during the Civil War. They shaped people's views about the Civil War.
Harper's Weekly was the most popular newspaper during the Civil War because it was focused on the Civil War and nothing else. Also because it was probably the most informative. One picture I analyzed was First Blood: The Battle of Baltimore from May 4, 1861 page 283( no artist mentioned). The picture very graphically depicted the battle. It showed how brutal the war was getting and how hostile the north and the south got towards each other. Another picture I found interesting was the cover of Harpers Weekly on May 25, 1861(SKETCHED BY OUR SPECIAL ARTIST).This picture showed the north firemen putting out a fire in Washington. I interpreted this as the north feeling like they were helping out Washington, or that them and the Washington government were on the same team. The north felt that the government in Washington were on their side and against the south.
I agree with Samantha that the newspapers kept the civilians involved in the events. Without the newspaper there would be know way of knowing what was going on in the was. It also allowed families who knew people in the military updated on their families. There was no available communication for people to know what was going on during the war.
"Harper's Weekly" February 4, 1865 edition features an editorial about General Sherman's March. The writer of the editorial reacts with both disgust and admiration to Sherman's devastating march through the Southern states. He addresses the marching troops as "Sherman and his thieves and robbers," which was an appropriate name for them as they enforced their devastating scorched earth policy. As a Southerner himself, the author resents the threat that comes as Sherman draws nearer to his home in Charleston. His cries of defeat are heard as he cries "The tree of liberty must be watered by the blood of its martyrs!" However, it is also quite obvious that he admires the General, even though he fought on the opposing side. "Sherman is a blessing who disguises himself so impenetrably that the rebels are in the most delightful doubt at what precise point the benediction will burst upon them," he concludes unwillingly admitting the greatness and effectiveness of the northern General. The editorial, though written by a Southerner, was a good way to raise moral of the many Northerners who read the newspaper. It undoubtedly gave them a sense of security and trust in their army's leaders. Isn't it the newspaper's job to give the readers what they want?
The April 29, 1865 issue of "Harper's Weekly" includes a sketch of Fort Sumter that I found interesting, yet I could not completely decipher its meaning. It shows two sketches of Fort Sumter, one in 1861 and the other in 1865 (the beginning and end of the Civil War.) The first sketch shows Fort Sumter as it proudly stood before the devastating affect the battle had on it. It shows the American Flag (with all 13 stripes) waving in the center despite being struck with lightening. The second sketch shows the same flag; however, this one is surrounded by only remains of a fort. Those are the facts, the following is merely my own interpretation. As a newspaper of the North, perhaps the artist of the sketch is trying to portray the success of the Civil War. Through the South may have won the first battle of the war, but the North never surrendered and, as a result, came out victorious. The Northern victory kept the United States together and kept the American flag intact as well. Perhaps this optimistic message an artist is trying to share?
In response to the final question, I agree with Vincent. "Such a powerful media gave plenty of people a journalistic insight on the way the Civil War developed, and how it ended." In addition, since "Harper's Weekly" maintained a neither Southern or Northern outlook on events, it presented everyone in America a fact-based account about the events. "Harper's Weekly" operated at a time of national division, ant through its distribution, a nation came one step closer to unity.
Aleksandra Makowska
Newspapers were one of the few sources of media, in the American early 1860’s, along with novels and public speeches. However, newspapers were definitely the more omnipresent source during the Civil War. As shown by the various issues of Harper’s Weekly, the newspapers were a major source of information and opinion during these times of numerous casualties and extreme conflicts. “The Battle of Murfreesboro” , from February 14 1863 issue (page 103), is an excellent example of Harper Weekly’s battle reports during the war. These articles along with the accompanied illustration (page 108) give a detailed explanation of the fighting from an army, primarily from Ohio, which contains volunteers. The author and also the illustrator, Mr. Hubner, shares his experiences as part of this army and mentions the battle strategies, advancements and loss of men. Even though the enemy is unclear in this battle, and soldiers are clearly seen just firing their weapons to a misted distance, hoping to injure the enemy. Hubner explains some of the daily activities of these soldiers, as they are forced to lie in the mud, build fires and have moments of relaxation, even with the constant canon explosions and rifle shots. Hubner’s statements are extremely informative, due to the great deal of the military information presented in the statements themselves, and the somewhat large illustration. Additionally, the illustration sheds light on the lack of strategic battle formations during the time, which included simple lines of soldiers firing ahead.
Similarly “The Battle in Bayou Teche” is an outstanding example of the typical battle reports that would have been produced during the Civil War period, also from the February 14 1863 issue (page 103). Although a much more intense and graphic battle compared to Murfreesboro, the battle in Bayou Teche was definitely a more bloody battle between rebel groups and army ones. As described by Haper’s Weekly’s Louisiana correspondent the battle took an odd turn and when torpedoes were implemented and several army leaders died. This article along with the illustration(page 101), depict the role of geology in the battles, as certain armies began utilizing ships on rivers as distant shooting centers, targeting the land based fighting groups. The article revealed the significance of naval technology during this time and the damage done due to this technology.
Harper’s Weekly contained a great deal of sophisticated writing, although not too complex for the average man during the time. The readers of its issues, probably searched for frequent updates about the battle from all over the country, and with countless correspondents the newspaper was able to provide this information. Harper’s Weekly seemed to revolve around the War and cover a vast amount of the major events. Since many seemed ignorant regarding all the issues, arguments, and sides of the war, newspapers like the Harper’s Weekly probably influenced the opinions of its readers. Even though all the details in this paper might not have been accurate, people tended to accept the thoughts of the reporters, who appeared well educated and informed regarding the topic they were discussing. Moreover, the newspaper seemed to provide the readers with a reasonable amount of talk about the progress of either side of war, especially the Union. With a diverse amount of drawings, articles, poems, essays and other fascinating materials Harper’s Weekly kept readers intrigued with its writing and attractive layout.
-In Response to Aleksandra-
You introduce a valid point when mentioning that the Harper’s Weekly remained, for the most part, unbiased during the war; simply presenting the reader with neutral evidence regarding battles and other relevant events. I didn’t consider the paper’s neutrality while reading, but now that you pointed it out, its clear.
The American political newspaper,” Harper’s Weekly” vividly informed Americans about the current events occurring within the nation before and during the Civil War. Organized by Harper & Brothers the newspaper was established in New York, and contained opinionated topics on events going on within the country as well as those overseas. Harper’s Weekly also consisted of its humorous political cartoons that allowed Americans to think about the way the country was transforming and how strong politics could actually be. Two articles that were very intriguing were Harper’s Weekly February 23, 1861 and March 30, 1861. In February issue there is a picture of the United States Confederacy that illustrates the split between the North and South. This picture portrays how the South’s threat to secession had a strong impact on the rest of the country. Abraham Lincoln was seen as a “Black Republican” to the South and many in the South (especially slave-owners) viewed the election of Lincoln as an extremely radical approach. Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address and Second Inaugural Address were two of his most famous speeches that demonstrated how he was not going to back down to the threats of the South. The other article in May of the same year issued “The Two Constitutions”. This article is tremendously insightful because it portrays how the Southern Confederacy decided to issue their own Constitution. This article is pretty humorous because the South took the words from the original Constitution to make one that would be of great benefit to the South. In one line it reads” We the people of the Confederate States, each State acting in its sovereign and independent character”. This line taken from the first few words of the Preamble indicates that the South opposed the North so much that they made their own Constitution. The South wanted to make sure their desires were met so with their own Constitution they could have their requests.
Voting privileges were only given to those born in the United States, and the ratio of slave representation was changed in the South’s new Constitution. Another picture that was interesting was Thomas Nast’s “Slave Family Traditions” issued in 1861. This picture illustrates how black entertainment drastically differed from white. On the top portion of the picture it shows a white family enjoying apple cutting, while the black family at the bottom celebrate corn husking. This reminds me of that part in Howard Zinn’s “Emancipation without Submission, Emancipation without Freedom” when John Little makes his statement about how slaves are covering up their pains and bruises by dancing and celebrating life. I agree with Alex and Simit, the newspaper does not seem to take sides on political terms, however it does not include in the website the later years of the newspaper when Harper’s weekly began to favor Republicanism.
By: Racquel Wood
Harper’s Weekly demonstrates the influence media had on the people and the country of America. All throughout the Civil War, Americans found it difficult to unite and make peace with each other. In order for them to come together as whole, newspapers were discovered to educate Americans of the events that were happening recently. Harper’s Weekly greatly influenced Americans by the use of cartoons and articles, which they started to view the war and violence differently. Published in Harper’s Weekly on December 14, 1861 were two cartoons that grab attention to the reader and expresses the author’s message. Both of the cartoons were issued on page 800.
In the first image, there is a heavy infant who seems to be a boy. The child is feeding a snake food out a bowl labeled “U.S.A” while the snake has written clearly on it “REBELLION.” The author seems to be showing that children are irresponsible and do not know right from wrong. The man in the background is trying to find this helpless child from danger, as if the baby is missing. The author’s purpose is to show that the “snake” is only looking for money out of the rebellion for “fighting” for slavery.
The second image is of a tall man who seems to be resting in bed. The blanket states “FEDERATE ARMY.” Every time the man pulls the blanket to cover his neck, his feet are shown. Every time his feet are covered by the blanket, his neck is shown. The author’s message is that the blanket symbolizing as the army who only seems to help out some of the confederate states with slavery, not all. The lamp shown in the cartoon on the dresser is burning the poster hung on the wall that says “CONFEDERATE STATES.” This shows that the states are not peaceful and did not unite as one because slavery is in between them.
Harper’s Weekly had an effect on the Civil war. By publication of many issues, it pushed for unification and support from the Confederates. I also agree with Sam because this newspaper brought news and information to their lives, making them aware of what was happening in the world and their surroundings.
Harper's Weekly was the most popular newspaper during the Civil War. Harper's Weekly followed the events of the Civil War, giving inside information on what was happening.
In the May 6th 1865 issue of Harper's weekly, Abraham Lincoln is captured with his son in a photograph by Matthew Brady. The photo was taken at President Lincoln's home. I interpreted this photo as although Lincoln is running the country and is dealing with the war, Lincoln is still making time for his family. It looks as if Lincoln is reading his son a story. This also could be intrepreted as instead of focusing in what's important Lincoln decides to read stories to his son.
In the March 14th 1863 issue, the front page depicts Negro soldiers being trained on how to use the mine rifle. I am interpreting the picture as if you want to be free, help fight for it. The Confederacy used enslaved Negroes as soldiers, leaving them in the front line, more likely to die.
Harpers Weekly kept people informed with what was happening during the Civil War. Information was spread easily and quickly with the newspaper. I agree with Simit that the newspaper does not take political stances.
Harpers Weekly was an incredibly popular news paper on the Civil War that featured any stories on important people and issues involved in the war. Newspaper companies took in large profits being that a large amount of the population could/was learning to read and many were interested to see how the war could impact them. The paper editorialized more towards the Union (North) than the Confederates (South). The issue that was published on March 4th, 1865 (pg.130) mainly focuses on the collapse of Charleston and adulates the anti-slavery Douglass.
The Charleston article discussed the Confederate states as “seeds of insurrection.” The Confederacy had fallen, and Unionists were ecstatic. To defeat the confederacy they used the death of women and children in the South. If the South would have never instigated and rivaled the North, there would be more crops and homes. This article is gleaming with pride. The large ego may have become even larger when the union defeated the Confederacy and lowered their southern flag of treason.
The article titled “The Civil War” on page 254, was published April 27 186. It discusses the declaring of war in the Gulf States by Lincoln. The author provides the reader for an extraordinary victory for the North, as he was doubting the South. At the time of the article, 90,000 troops have been deployed by the United States government, which contradicts the plan of 200,000. The southerners were also tracking down soldiers of their own, numbers being approximately 7,000.
Harper Weekly had a huge impact on society during the Civil War. The publication wanted more union support, they tried doing this by making the confederates look like fools. This may have reflected on the North’s victory.
Unlike Simit and Laurel, I feel that Haper Weekly was not nutral. By jabing foolish jokes towards confederates/south does not show a biased vibe. If there were some jokes on the north might have been able to come to consensus with you both.
From reading several articles from Harper's Weekly it seems to be clear that this newspaper had an abundant amount of knowledge during the war. There was an abundant amount of information being relayed to the average citizen of the time information on battles and events occurring at the time. Article 484 which is an article about the battle of Bull Run is a good example of the surplus of information given to the reader. Not only is the reader informed by the author of the article but, also with illustrations of battle tactics and generals which helps people assess the situation. The article specifically talks about the battle strategy that was used in the battle of Bull run which gives the reader a good sense of what happened during the battle. There are also pages dedicated to illustrations. VOL. V.—No. 227. is an illustration showing people waiting after the attack on Fort Sumter. Articles and illustrations like this show a first hand account of the war where people aren't experiencing it. With articles from Harper's Weekly readers would be well informed of the events occurring during the war. The articles within the newspaper seem to be sided with the Union since; in quite a few articles confederates are called "rebels." Also, in many illustrations where Union areas are being attacked the citizens look very innocent. Harper’s Weekly I would assume would have a strong impact in molding a person’s opinion of the war through events and illustrations. Having papers like these would inform people and keep citizens up to date with the war. Papers like these could easily mold someone’s opinion by using articles where the confederate are absolutely confirmed as being the “wrong do-er.” I agree with Sam that this newspaper had impacted people of the time with the events portrayed within the paper. I also agree that the newspaper gave insight from presidency to up to date war analysis.
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